America at 250: Our Past, Present, and Future
Join OLLI at UNL on Saturday, October 24, for a special fall symposium examining the past, present and future of the United States as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
The morning begins with a buffet breakfast, followed by three presentations exploring America’s founding principles, how those ideals have played out over the nation’s history, and what the future may hold.
The Promises: Founding Fathers and Founding Documents
Eric Berger, J.D., professor at the UNL College of Law, will examine the founding principles of the United States and how they were expressed in the founding documents of the era.
The Progress: The Ways the Experiment Has Played Out
Mindy Rush Chipman, executive director of the ACLU of Nebraska, joins UNL professors Rose Holz and Gwendolyn Combs for a panel discussion exploring where the United States stands today in living up to its founding principles.
The Prognosis: Where Do We Go From Here
U.S. Rep. Don Bacon and former U.S. Rep. Douglas Bereuter will share their perspectives on the future of the United States and the prospects for adhering to its founding ideals.
Event Details
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
UNL East Campus Union, Great Plains Room, 1705 Arbor Drive, Lincoln, NE
Also available live via Zoom
In person: $20, including breakfast
Zoom: $15
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 8
Open to the public. OLLI membership is not required.
Upcoming Events
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (OLLI at UNL) is a membership-based lifelong learning program for adults 50 years old plus. OLLI offers noncredit courses, lectures, events and travel opportunities. Hear from outstanding speakers and instructors. No tests. No grades. OLLI is for the love of learning.
Membership is required to take most courses, attend events and to take advantage of all of OLLI's opportunities.
Term Dates
- Fall Term 1 – Aug. 24 – Oct. 5, 2026 (Registration begins Aug. 11, 2026)
- Fall Term 2 – Oct. 26 – Dec. 11, 2026 (Registration begins Oct. 13, 2026)
- Winter Term 3 – Jan. 25 – Mar. 5, 2027 (Registration begins Jan. 12, 2027)
- Spring Term 4 – Mar. 29 – May 7, 2027 (Registration begins Mar. 16, 2027)
- Summer Term 5 – June 7 – July 10, 2027 (Registration begins May 18, 2027)
